I know that I usually post on Thursdays, but I want to make sure I write about this while it is still fresh in my memory. Also, I am just so excited to write about this miracle that I can't wait any longer! A dear friend of mine, who also happens to be my visiting teaching companion, recently ended up in the hospital because she had a stroke. Even though I have known her for only a short time, she has become a sweet friend to me and I have grown to love her dearly. She's the kind of person that is just so wonderful, you can't help but adore her upon meeting her.

Early Monday afternoon, I had a thought that I should get a group together visit her and sing Christmas carols to her for family home evening. At first, I thought that it was such short notice to ask any families to go, and that everyone probably had plans for family night anyway. The thought persisted, however, and I realized that this was a prompting and that I needed to act on it. So, I did. As I acted on this prompting, the Lord gave me a tender mercy and confirmation that I was doing what was right; I was able to find two families that were willing to go with us and sing to my friend.

Monday evening arrived and we all met at the hospital to visit and sing to our friend. As we went into her room, I entered thinking that this would be a great experience because we'd be able to bring her some holiday cheer. I quickly realized, however, that the reason I needed to go see her was not to lift her spirits. I was both surprised and delighted to see my friend's spirits high and her good humor still present. We sang her two songs of her choice, and the spirit that I felt while we sang to her lifted my soul and reminded me of the true purpose of Christmas.

The highlight of our visit, however, was a sweet moment when this dear sister shared her testimony of Jesus Christ and how His atonement has been lifting her and her family to help them through this trial. The spirit in the room was tangible as she bore a sweet and simple testimony of Him. Even the children there seemed to sense the reverent and special nature of that moment, as they just stood still and listened to her words.

Hearing about the miracles that are happening in my friend's life was a miracle for me. This experience lifted me up and reminded me, once again, of the very real power that is available to each and every one of us through His atonement. Thank you, my dear friend, for filling my heart with the true spirit of Christmas. This was truly a miracle for me and has made this Christmas season special.

I am grateful that my Heavenly Father knew where I needed to be on Monday evening. I did not even realize it, but my spirits needed to be lifted and my sights needed to be set higher than they were. Because my sweet friend was simply willing to share her testimony of Jesus Christ and the miracles that He has bestowed upon her, I was lifted higher. Remembering Jesus Christ, wanting to be closer to Him, and feeling closer to Him are beautiful miracles.

I will forever remember this experience as I strive to more readily share my testimony of Jesus Christ with those around me. Perhaps if we were all a little more willing to share our testimonies of Jesus Christ, we could be someone's Christmas miracle this year too. Our testimonies certainly bring light into this world as we share them with others! I hope that this can be our brightest Christmas yet as we remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, and testify of the sweet blessings that flow from Him without reserve.